ARK Theological Concepts 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In Christian theology, the term 'kenosis' refers to:

The resurrection of Christ
Christ's self-emptying of divine attributes in the Incarnation (Correct answer)
The descent of the Holy Spirit
The ascension of Christ into heaven

Correct answer: Christ's self-emptying of divine attributes in the Incarnation

Kenosis (from Greek 'to empty') refers to Christ's voluntary self-limitation of divine attributes when taking on human form, based on Philippians 2:7.

Kenosis derives from Philippians 2:7 where Paul writes that Christ 'emptied himself' (ekenōsen). Theologians debate what was emptied: some hold Christ set aside the independent use of divine attributes, others that he accepted human limitations while retaining divinity. This concept is central to Christology and the theology of the Incarnation.

Question 2: The theological principle 'lex orandi, lex credendi' means:

The law governs belief
The law of prayer is the law of belief (Correct answer)
Prayer must follow scripture
Belief precedes practice

Correct answer: The law of prayer is the law of belief

This Latin phrase means 'the law of praying is the law of believing,' indicating that how a community worships shapes and expresses its theology.

Lex orandi, lex credendi (the rule of prayer is the rule of faith) originates with Prosper of Aquitaine (5th century). It means that liturgical practice both reflects and shapes theological belief. It has been used to support Marian doctrines (since Mary was venerated liturgically before being defined dogmatically) and to argue that changes in liturgy have theological implications.

Question 3: What is the theological term for the study of the 'last things' — death, judgment, heaven, and hell?

Soteriology
Pneumatology
Eschatology (Correct answer)
Ecclesiology

Correct answer: Eschatology

Eschatology is the branch of theology dealing with final events, including death, the afterlife, the end of history, and ultimate destiny.

Eschatology (from Greek eschatos, 'last' + logos, 'study') encompasses individual eschatology (what happens to each person after death) and cosmic eschatology (the end of history). Key topics include the parousia (Second Coming), general resurrection, Last Judgment, heaven, hell, and purgatory. Every major religion has eschatological teachings.

Question 4: In Calvinist theology, what does 'total depravity' mean?

Humans are as sinful as they possibly could be
Every aspect of human nature is affected by sin, making humans unable to choose God unaided (Correct answer)
Only totally depraved persons go to hell
Original sin destroyed human free will entirely

Correct answer: Every aspect of human nature is affected by sin, making humans unable to choose God unaided

Total depravity means that every part of human nature — mind, will, emotions — is corrupted by sin, not that humans are maximally evil, but that unaided human nature cannot turn to God.

Total depravity (the T of TULIP) holds that sin has affected every dimension of human nature. It does not mean humans commit every possible sin but that no faculty — intellect, will, emotion — is untouched by the fall. Consequently, humans cannot choose salvation without God's prior grace (irresistible grace). This contrasts with Arminian theology, which maintains genuine human freedom.

Question 5: The doctrine of 'apophatic theology' (via negativa) holds that:

God can be fully described through positive statements
God is best described by saying what God is not (Correct answer)
Negative events in life reveal God's nature
Theology should avoid metaphysics

Correct answer: God is best described by saying what God is not

Apophatic (negative) theology holds that God transcends all human concepts and language, so God is best approached by negating human attributes rather than affirming them.

Apophatic theology (from Greek apophasis, 'denial') holds that the divine essence exceeds human conceptual categories. Key proponents include Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, Maimonides, and Meister Eckhart. It contrasts with cataphatic (positive) theology. Both approaches are typically used together: positive statements are made but then qualified by negation to avoid anthropomorphizing God.

Question 6: In Islamic theology, the concept of 'tawhid' refers to:

Predestination
The absolute oneness and unity of God (Correct answer)
Prophethood
Divine justice

Correct answer: The absolute oneness and unity of God

Tawhid is the foundational Islamic doctrine affirming that God is absolutely one and unique, with no partners, equals, or divisions.

Tawhid (from Arabic wahid, 'one') is the cornerstone of Islamic theology. It encompasses three dimensions: oneness of God's lordship (rububiyyah), oneness of worship (uluhiyyah), and oneness of God's names and attributes (asma wa sifat). Any association of partners with God (shirk) is the gravest sin in Islam. The Shahada ('There is no god but Allah') is the central expression of tawhid.

ARK Theological Concepts 2

In Christian theology, the term 'kenosis' refers to: